Letter: Steps to reduce gun violence are obvious
(Ronald W. Erdrich | The Abilene Reporter-News | AP) Odessa High School students and families remember their 15 year-old classmate Leilah Hernandez Monday Sept. 2, 2019 in Odessa, Texas. Leilah Hernandez, 15, was the youngest victim in the shooting spree that claimed multiple lives on Saturday. Leilah played basketball for Odessa High School, and her classmates have honored her by wearing her jersey number on their cheeks.
Tragically, we have seen another character test for Congress to take constructive action demanded by the public to reduce and lessen the loss of life from mass shootings.
The steps are obvious to any intelligent and concerned citizen not obligated to the NRA for campaign contributions. Prohibit the sale of all automatic and high-capacity magazine rifles and handguns (what about a buyback/meltdown effort like some other nations?), mandatory background checks for every firearm purchase with no exceptions, a sensible “red flag” law for concerned family and friends to warn law enforcement of threatening behavior of individuals and, maybe the most difficult, return the NRA to a responsible leading organization promoting safety first and the original intent of the Second Amendment.
The under-the-radar rogue assailants will remain a threat, but leadership from the president with supporting impactful legislation can and would make a difference.
Maybe we wait for the 2020 election?
Peter R. Finn, Salt Lake City
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